Apple arranges online Personal Setup sessions to guide new Apple Watch owners
Americans receiving their Apple Watch on Friday are being emailed an invitation to schedule an online Personal Setup session, guiding them through setting up and using the device without having to visit an Apple Store.
The email contains a link to a page on Apple's website, where visitors can schedule a chat with an Apple specialist in a morning, afternoon, or evening window. As of this writing appointments were completely booked from Friday through Sunday, leaving Monday as the first opportunity to schedule one.
Each chat is in fact a video session, allowing a specialist to both answer questions and demonstrate setup steps. These can vary in length from 10 minutes to an hour if necessary.
Apple has traditionally directed most Personal Setup sessions through Apple Stores. That remains an option, but the focus is consistent with Apple policy leaning towards making the Watch launch online-centric. People can arrange to try on a Watch at retail, but in most cases orders are being directed to Apple's website or the Apple Store iOS app.
An alternative to Personal Setup is Apple's Guided Tours page, combined with the company's official User Guide. Each Watch also comes with a barebones manual explaining basic facts.
The email contains a link to a page on Apple's website, where visitors can schedule a chat with an Apple specialist in a morning, afternoon, or evening window. As of this writing appointments were completely booked from Friday through Sunday, leaving Monday as the first opportunity to schedule one.
Each chat is in fact a video session, allowing a specialist to both answer questions and demonstrate setup steps. These can vary in length from 10 minutes to an hour if necessary.
Apple has traditionally directed most Personal Setup sessions through Apple Stores. That remains an option, but the focus is consistent with Apple policy leaning towards making the Watch launch online-centric. People can arrange to try on a Watch at retail, but in most cases orders are being directed to Apple's website or the Apple Store iOS app.
An alternative to Personal Setup is Apple's Guided Tours page, combined with the company's official User Guide. Each Watch also comes with a barebones manual explaining basic facts.
Comments
And it just keeps coming.
This is how you steamroll over the competition. Offer a superior product with world-class service/support.
I got this email last night.
It's bloody brilliant. It really ups the game.
Appointment availability will depend on your location apparently. PDT shows appointments still available for today, Saturday and Sunday. These slots will no doubt fill up as shipments are delivered.
I am having the same problem after several tries at different times.
This would be great if it actually worked. It took me about 15 tries to schedule an appointment, as I got the same screen the people above mentioned. Finally, after wasting a whole lot of time I didn't have, I got an appointment for Sunday morning. Got an email and text message confirming it. Showed up at the correct time, clicked on the link, and it said the page couldn't be found. I tried a number of times, also sent an email and text to the original reminder emails and texts with no reply. This is not giving me much confidence in the quality of Apple support, frankly.
I got my email offering this here in the UK.
I have to mention though, we booked in the wrong timezone so things got off on the wrong foot. The rep emailed us to let us know so it worked out ok.
I didnt realize it was going to be so personalized. Our rep asked me a lot of questions about how I was using my watch and even suggested some great apps I didnt know about before.
I love, love, love it! I hope Apple continues to do these setups for future products.
Shout out to Tim in Austin for his patience and wealth of information on the subject. I've been telling all my friends to request you. <<hug>>
Naddy
Calgary, Alberta